Operating as a popular theatre from1994 until 2004 the unrestored interior of the former church hosted a programme of high-calibre entertainment, from comedy to drama and live contemporary music to opera. The many internationally renowned acts to have performed at The Cottier Theatre include musical stars The Beautiful South, Texas, The Cranberries, The Dubliners, Gabrielle and The Divine Comedy.

Comedians such as Mark Thomas, Rich Hall and Phil Juputus also featured on the bill along with a host of theatre and opera companies like Boilerhouse, Stellar Quines and Scottish Opera. The theatre has been an integral venue for the West End Festival, BBC Music Live and The Glasgow International Comedy Festival. At a local level it has been involved in a range of community projects, often working with agencies such as Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City Council.

Seating, heating, box office and technical resources over the ten year operation were primitive, while the theatre had no purpose-built back-stage accommodation - the building made up for this with loads of atmosphere but the aim has always been to provide a comfortable well supported performance space capable of a wide range of community uses. The plans provide a new basement with proper heating and ventilation, dressing rooms, toilet accommodation and a multi-purpose space for breakout during performance intervals and conferences.